The David Aldred Memorial Prize for Sopranos competition was established in 2021. David Aldred was particularly interested in the soprano voice, and Strauss’s Vier Letzte Lieder (Four Last Songs) was one of his favourite works. After his death, his friends decided to honour his memory by establishing a prize for sopranos studying at the SACM, with each participant having to include one of Strauss’s Four Last Songs in her programme.
The University received very generous contributions to the prize which will guarantee its continuation for many years from David’s Canadian friends Felicity Schweitzer and Bruce Lemer and from James May.
Contestants are required to make up a programme of 20 – 25 minutes, including one aria from a cantata or oratorio, one operatic aria and, of course, one of Strauss’s Four Last Songs.
Opera UCT is proud to announce the 5th David Aldred Memorial Prize for Sopranos, established by Emeritus Professor James May in memory of his partner David Aldred.
This competition is open to all classical sopranos registered at the South African College of Music (SACM).
CLOSING DATE: Please complete this online entry form before Friday 28 March 2025.
PRELIMINARY ROUND: Tuesday 8 April 2025, C6, time to be confirmed.
FINAL ROUND: Tuesday 15 April 2025, Baxter Concert Hall, 7pm
1st prize R22 000
Runners up R3000 each
Preliminary Round
One of Richard Strauss’s Four Last Songs, and one aria from a cantata / oratorio OR one operatic aria.
Final Round
In addition to the above, a selection of songs and/or arias to make up a programme of 18-22 minutes.
Deadline for Application
All those wishing to audition in the preliminaries must complete the online form including the proposed repertoire. This form must be filled in fully with approval from your voice teacher. Entries will also be approved by the Director of Opera UCT.
Please complete this form no later than Friday 28 March 2025. No late applications will be considered.
All music must be memorised for both rounds.
2024
1st prize: Frances van Vuuren
Runners up: Zizipho Funzo & Karabo Rabaloi
2023
1st prize: Setsoane Jeannette Ntseki
Runners up: Lauren Pharaoh & Linda Mbozi
2022
1st prize: Ondelwa Martins
2021
1st prize: Molly Dzangare
The competition is adjudicated by a panel of widely recognised and experienced professional musicians. Previous adjudicators have included: Prof Hendrik Hofmeyr, Assoc Prof Francois du Toit, Hanna van Niekerk, Christine Crouse, Tertia Visser Downie.
The Third David Aldred Memorial Prize for Sopranos, March 2023
